Key holder



Feb. 18, 1941. F. H. M GEHEE KEY HOLDER Filed Oct. 22, 1940 xxxxxxx IN V EN TOR.

m kw W MW MW h w Patented Feb. 18, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

My invention relates to key holders and has as one of the principal objects thereof the provision of a key holder so constructed and arranged whereby a plurality of keys may be contained therein and in a manner whereby ready access may be had to a desired key.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of the above described character equipped with means for containing identification papers, for instance, a motor vehicle operators license.

An important object of my invention is to provide a device of the character described which is simple in construction, durable in use, efficient in operation and economical in manufacture.

ther objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, appended claims and annexed drawing.

Referring to the drawing wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my invention and illustrating one of the keys in retracted or closed position.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but illustrating the key in projected position for use.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of my invention and illustrating the keys in closed position.

Figure 4 is a sectional View taken on the line t-t of Figure 3.

igure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but illustrating the closure cap removed from the body of the holder.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line iS-6 of Figure 1.

Figure '7 is a sectional view taken on the line l-'! of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of one end of a modified form of my invention.

Figure 9 is a side elevation of another modification of my invention.

In practising my invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 inclusive of the drawing, I provide a substantially cylindrical body 5 formed on its periphery with a pair of oppositely disposed parallel and lengthwise extending cuneiform slots 6. The slots 6 are disposed in paraxial relation to the axis of said body and receive therein keys 1. The bases 8 of said slots are disposed adjacent one end 9 of the body and are of a sufiicient width to receive therein the heads or finger-pieces IQ of the keys 1, the latter being provided with shanks ll formed with longitudinally extending grooves l 2. The heads IU of the keys I are formed with openings through which extends a pivot pin I3 fixed transversely through the body 5 whereby said keys may be pivoted to positions into and out of the slots 6 as clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Between the base and apex ends 8 and I4 of the slots, the body is formed with a side wall for each slot and which closes one side thereof. The side walls 15 are angularly disposed'with respect to the axis of the body whereby to dispose the shanks of the keys in abaxial relation with respect to the axis of the body whereby to maintain the shank ends of the keys extending a slight distance beyond the respective apex ends of the slots and thus expose a portion of the groove l2 of each for a purpose hereinafter set forth. The opposite end iii of the body is formed with an axially disposed cul-de-sac ll for receiving therein the operators license is and said cul-de-sac closed by a cap l9 threaded on to said end N3 of the body as clearly illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawing. As illustrated in Figure 1, the body may, if desired, be provided with suitable indicia 28adjacent the slots 6 for identifying the keys.

In use, the keys being in the positions illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a fingernail of the operator is inserted within the groove I! of a key and the latter pivoted outwardly to an extended position for use as illustrated in Figure 2.

In the modified form illustrated in Figure 8, the cap 29 has attached thereto a chain 30 whereby an identification tag or other keys may be secured to the device. In the modified form illustrated in Figure 9, the cap 39 is provided with a pivoted bail 40 for securing additional keys 4| or the like to the device.

Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully explain the invention that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service. Moreover, it is not indispensable that all the features of the invention be used conjointly since they may be employed advantageously in various combinations and sub-combinations.

It is obvious thatthe invention is not confined to the herein described use therefor as it may be utilized for any purpose to which it is adaptable. It is therefore to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific construction as illustrated and described as the same is only illustrative of the principles of operation, which are capable of extended application in various forms, and that the invention comprehends all construction within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A device of the character described, comprising, a substantially cylindrical body formed on its periphery with elongated oppositely disposedsubstantially cuneiform slots arranged in paraxial relation with respect to the axis of said body and extending transversely and lengthwise of said body and adapted to receive therein keys having bits each formed with a ward, and a pivot extending through said body and the base ends of said slots for maintaining said keys pivotally connected to the body, said body formed with a wall between the ends of each slot for closing one side of the latter, said walls extending in abaxial relation with respect to the axis of the body to maintain one end of the bit of each key out of its respective slot and substantially within the circumferential confines of said periphery to expose its ward and thus enable the finger-nail of an operator to be inserted within said wards for pivoting the keys out of said slots when said keys are disposed within said slots.

2. A device of the character described comprising a body formed on one of its outer faces with a slot adapted to receive therein a key having a slotted section and movably connected to said body for operation into and out of said slot, said body provided with means between the ends of said slot for closing one side of said slot to maintain at least a portion of said section out of said slot and substantially within the marginal confines of said face to expose the slot of said section and thus enable the finger-nail of an operator to be inserted within said last mentioned slot for operating the key out of said first mentioned slot when said key is disposed within said first mentioned slot.

FRED HUGHSON McGEI-IEE. 

